What’s been your biggest life lesson? In 2016, I stepped down from an executive position at US franchise chain Massage Envy, to spend more time with my ageing mother. After 20-plus years of being fully immersed in my career, I felt it was time to take a break. This decision turned out to be eye-opening. There’s growth and learning that comes when we slow down, reassess and reconnect with our true selves and loved ones. Today, I’m back in my career but with more confidence, clarity and boundaries.
What do you still hope to accomplish? There’s a great need for professional, talented therapists to meet the ever-growing consumer demand for massage and bodywork services. I hope to be a part of the movement and efforts that build and drive positive public awareness and understanding of massage careers to increase interest and grow our workforce.
How has the industry evolved? In 2003, spa services were mainly available to an elite clientele. In the past 20 years, we’ve experienced unprecedented growth in local day spas through the franchise model. These models offer affordable monthly memberships of US$79-89 (€70-80 £60-68), which include a 60-minute massage, in thousands of locations in suburban communities meaning they target a more diverse consumer. US franchise spa and massage businesses are now collectively performing 30 million services annually.
What do you wish had been invented? The spa industry could greatly benefit from a national, streamlined education model for therapists, aestheticians and management candidates.
How do you hope the industry will look in 2050? I’d like to see spa services as a part of everyone’s wellness and health routines. They are so beneficial in managing hundreds of physical and emotional challenges that we all face in today’s world. It would be amazing to see the availability of them spread across all demographics. Heal the body, heal the planet.
Birthday message to Spa Business
"The world of spa and wellness is ever-evolving and Spa Business has been at the forefront of these changes. I’ve always valued its content and how it leads the charge with thought-provoking articles"
More from spa industry leaders...
In celebration of Spa Business’ 20th anniversary, industry leaders take a look at how far the sector has come since the magazine’s inception in 2003, share personal career highlights and reveal their plans and ideas for the future.
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
View contents of Spa Business 2023 issue 3
Editor's letter: Reflection point
As Spa Business celebrates its 20th birthday, Katie Barnes pauses for thought and rejoices in the industry’s evolution
Spa People: 20th anniversary issue: Anna Bjurstam
The strategic senior advisor at Six Senses and Raison d'Etre on being initiated as a shaman, why psychedelics are here to stay and her bigger fear for the global spa industry
Promotion: Klafs: Relax into wellbeing
Klafs and Studio F. A. Porsche have combined their design and wellness expertise to create an oasis for total-body relaxation
News report: Eastern promise
Japan’s spa industry is valued at US$4.2 billion and is part of the world's third highest-performing wellness economy
Jeremy McCarthy: Theory of evolution
From spa to wellness and now leisure – Spa Business’ contributing editor looks at where hospitality experiences are heading
Promotion: Lemi: Built to last
Lemi is committed to leading with innovation to create
cutting-edge treatment room solutions that excel
in terms of performance and eco-credentials
Promotion: G.M. COLLIN: Collagen pioneers
GM Collin’s expertise in collagen research and product formulation has resulted in the creation of a new serum that combats age-related skin degeneration
Promotion: Comfort Zone: A brighter future
Consumers are increasingly interested in reducing dark spots and hyperpigmentation and a new line from Comfort Zone has been launched to address this emerging need
Promotion: Art of Cryo: Life changing experience
Vikki and Robbie are often exhausted after work. A visit to the spa to experience
the Art of Cryo Tech-Spa Module is a chance to re-set and rejuvenate together
Le Atelier by C.O.D.E. doesn't offer a standard bespoke service, it provides a highly
customised approach to designing massage beds and loungers in high-end wellness
environments. [more...]
What’s been your biggest life lesson? In 2016, I stepped down from an executive position at US franchise chain Massage Envy, to spend more time with my ageing mother. After 20-plus years of being fully immersed in my career, I felt it was time to take a break. This decision turned out to be eye-opening. There’s growth and learning that comes when we slow down, reassess and reconnect with our true selves and loved ones. Today, I’m back in my career but with more confidence, clarity and boundaries.
What do you still hope to accomplish? There’s a great need for professional, talented therapists to meet the ever-growing consumer demand for massage and bodywork services. I hope to be a part of the movement and efforts that build and drive positive public awareness and understanding of massage careers to increase interest and grow our workforce.
How has the industry evolved? In 2003, spa services were mainly available to an elite clientele. In the past 20 years, we’ve experienced unprecedented growth in local day spas through the franchise model. These models offer affordable monthly memberships of US$79-89 (€70-80 £60-68), which include a 60-minute massage, in thousands of locations in suburban communities meaning they target a more diverse consumer. US franchise spa and massage businesses are now collectively performing 30 million services annually.
What do you wish had been invented? The spa industry could greatly benefit from a national, streamlined education model for therapists, aestheticians and management candidates.
How do you hope the industry will look in 2050? I’d like to see spa services as a part of everyone’s wellness and health routines. They are so beneficial in managing hundreds of physical and emotional challenges that we all face in today’s world. It would be amazing to see the availability of them spread across all demographics. Heal the body, heal the planet.
Birthday message to Spa Business
"The world of spa and wellness is ever-evolving and Spa Business has been at the forefront of these changes. I’ve always valued its content and how it leads the charge with thought-provoking articles"
More from spa industry leaders...
In celebration of Spa Business’ 20th anniversary, industry leaders take a look at how far the sector has come since the magazine’s inception in 2003, share personal career highlights and reveal their plans and ideas for the future.
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
View contents of Spa Business 2023 issue 3
Editor's letter: Reflection point
As Spa Business celebrates its 20th birthday, Katie Barnes pauses for thought and rejoices in the industry’s evolution
Spa People: 20th anniversary issue: Anna Bjurstam
The strategic senior advisor at Six Senses and Raison d'Etre on being initiated as a shaman, why psychedelics are here to stay and her bigger fear for the global spa industry
Promotion: Klafs: Relax into wellbeing
Klafs and Studio F. A. Porsche have combined their design and wellness expertise to create an oasis for total-body relaxation
News report: Eastern promise
Japan’s spa industry is valued at US$4.2 billion and is part of the world's third highest-performing wellness economy
Jeremy McCarthy: Theory of evolution
From spa to wellness and now leisure – Spa Business’ contributing editor looks at where hospitality experiences are heading
Promotion: Lemi: Built to last
Lemi is committed to leading with innovation to create
cutting-edge treatment room solutions that excel
in terms of performance and eco-credentials
Promotion: G.M. COLLIN: Collagen pioneers
GM Collin’s expertise in collagen research and product formulation has resulted in the creation of a new serum that combats age-related skin degeneration
Promotion: Comfort Zone: A brighter future
Consumers are increasingly interested in reducing dark spots and hyperpigmentation and a new line from Comfort Zone has been launched to address this emerging need
Promotion: Art of Cryo: Life changing experience
Vikki and Robbie are often exhausted after work. A visit to the spa to experience
the Art of Cryo Tech-Spa Module is a chance to re-set and rejuvenate together
Global Wellness Day (GWD) marked its 15th anniversary on Saturday 13 June 2026, with the
theme: #JoyMagenta – a celebration of the healing qualities of simple gestures and activities
that spark joy.
Global luxury hospitality brand, Six Senses, has partnered with longevity healthcare provider,
HUM2N, to launch a clinic at Six Senses London, at The Whiteley.
As part of its first hotel partnership, Mayrlife – the medical health resort company known for its
site in Altaussee, Austria – has launched a day clinic at the Rosewood Vienna.
Premium London health club, KX Chelsea, will imminently unveil its most significant
redevelopment since its launch in 2002 to create an integrated wellness model combining
training, recovery and relaxation.
Rosewood Le Guanahani St Barth, on the northeast coast of Saint Barthélemy in the French
West Indies, is offering a programme of ocean-inspired yoga classes between 8-14 June to
celebrate Global Wellness Day (GWD).
Hotel de France, located on the British Isle of Jersey, has created a wellness retreat package
that includes a hot yoga session that will take place in Jersey Zoo’s butterfly sanctuary.
The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi, in Malaysia, has revealed a schedule for Global Wellness Day
(GWD) that includes guided rainforest walks, mindful movement and guided coastal meditation
experiences.
Longevitix, a clinical platform for preventive and longevity medicine, has launched its AI-
powered intelligence system to help physicians deliver continuous, personalised longevity-
focused care at scale.
Atmantan Wellness Centre, an integrative wellness destination in Mulshi, near Pune in India, is
expanding its portfolio by adding a new centre in Hyderabad that will launch between 2028 and
2029.
Le Atelier by C.O.D.E. doesn't offer a standard bespoke service, it provides a highly
customised approach to designing massage beds and loungers in high-end wellness
environments. [more...]
